MAWU presents A Creative Movement Workshop Series (10th Anniversary Special Edition) on Saturday, December 9, 2017 and Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 12 noon at Town Stages, 221 West Broadway, NYC. Suggested donation of $15, with reservations available at https://mawu-creative-movement-workshops.eventbrite.com.

This is the final installment of a series of special workshops celebrating MAWU's 10-year anniversary. The theme of these creative movement workshops is "Community, Roots & Lineage," and the intent is to spark creative thought through movement. The workshops will feature guest instructors who are part of our community and who are representative of MAWU's roots as well as the lineage of house dance, with music by Jackie Jedeye Jaxx Cohen.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

12 pm - 2 pm // Tine & Sidney // Syncopation and Jazz RootsTine and Sidney's funky and jazzy style of swing dance has both influenced and been influenced by house dance, and together they boast a wealth of knowledge and style. Using inspiration from vernacular jazz and tap moves from swing era dances, they'll explore how rhythm and syncopation can expand your current house repertoire.

2 pm - 4 pm // Ephrat & Cricket // Concepts of Partnering and Creative PlayThe goal of this workshop is to expand your world of dance and freestyle using elements of partnering, while creating a safe and fun environment of exploration with others. Cricket is our brother and a master of creative play, and he has had a strong connection with everyone in the crew from the very beginning. We are honored to have him with us to share his experience and insights. No partner required, just bring yourself and an open mind.

4:10 pm // Screening of Amy Secada's documentary "Come As You Are" (20 mins), a film exploring the cultural and social impact of the legendary Loft era. This will be followed by an informal conversation.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

12 pm - 2 pm // Amy Secada & Fella // Keys to FreestyleGuided drills, tips and improv exercises developed to release your organic movement and discover your style and creative potential. Learn to leave fear at the door, get out of your head, and start dancing from your heart. Honored to have Fella, a legendary dancer and one of New York City's "OG" women of house as a guest in this workshop..

2 pm - 4 pm // Chriz & Scotty // Floorwork and Crafting Your SpaceChriz has always been inspired by Scotty's use of floor and space, and it has influenced her dance immensely. Using various floor exercises and techniques for playing with space and movement, this workshop will help you find new ways to connect with the music, the energy of the dance floor, and the mood and rhythm of the music.

4:10 pm // Screening of Aurora Brekke's documentary "Moving Closer to House" (25 mins), a short film about house dance developed out of fieldwork that took place in New York City in 2015. This will be followed by an informal conversation.

"For me, and so many others, House Dance is more than a passion. It's our shelter. It's our culture. It's the source. Mawu's dynamic sisterhood of community-driven women artists is sharing the rich history and ever-evolving movement of house music and dance, worldwide. They've made space for me and countless other dancers over the years within this growing community, and I couldn't be more proud to make space for their important work here at Town Stages," said Robin Sokoloff, Executive Director of Town Stages.

Founded in 2007, MAWU is an all-female crew and dance company whose mission is to embody strong, positive images of women in the urban dance community, and to create fierce and creative works that will both educate and inspire new audiences. Furthermore, the company seeks to preserve the rich cultural heritage of house music both in New York City and around the world, to provide more creative outlets for women, and to foster and help build positive relationships among fellow dancers. The ladies of MAWU are Chriz, Ephrat (Bounce), Jimbo, Linda (LaNaija), RhoDesia, Amy Secada, Tara (Big Tara) and Tine (Tine Machine). The group was born out of New York's underground house community. More than just a unique group of house dancers, MAWU's strength lies in the diversity of its members, all of whom represent different backgrounds, ethnicities and performance genres including house, hip hop, freestyle, modern, ballet, African and jazz.

Through their explosive performances, MAWU creates a platform for dancers of all ages, races, and genders to celebrate diversity, fight for the rights of dancers, and show support for performing arts. Following their debut at New York's monthly House Dance Conference hosted by Brian "Footwork" Green, MAWU has made special appearances at The Melting Pot NYC, the annual Winter Music Conference in Miami, ¡Globaile!, Dance For Peace, Brooklyn Mecca's Female All-Stars Jam and Dance Showcase, Mr. V's Welcome Home Album Release at Virgin Megastore, and House Dance International, New York's 1st annual house dance festival.

In June of 2008 MAWU organized the first ever Circle Hog Fest-an event jam-packed with music, performances, and good vibes.

Since then, the group has presented original work at Alvin Ailey Dance Center, Dixon Place, Jamaica Performing Arts Center, SummerStage and Red Hook Fest, BAAD!Ass Women and the Boogie Down Dance Series at the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, Hip Hop Generation Next in partnership with Dancing in the Streets, the Afrobeat Festival with Wunmi, Fertile Ground and Asiko, and they continue to take this scene by storm one dance floor at a time.

Located in the heart of Tribeca, TOWN is New York's premier venue to celebrate, collaborate and put on a show.A new female-driven cultural arts institution and venue space, Town Stages is a state-of-the-art, flexible performance and event space that can support the entire lifecycle of New York's hallmark industries. With a stunning 9,000 square foot storefront facility, TOWN provides world-class cultural experiences and opportunities for all: from civic to corporate, tech to theater.With a Mainstage, a Cabaret Lounge, and a multi-use event space with a capacity of 225, Town Stages will offer much-needed space and production resources for businesses, arts organizations, and families. TOWN boasts ticketed performances and curated community programing, from performance art to dance to theatre, and is also available for fashion shows, film shoots, weddings, and beyond. For more information, visit www.townstages.com.

Sokoloff Arts (501c3) is an emerging cultural institution providing inspired space, prospective, and opportunity for cutting edge events in all sectors of The Arts, Corporate, Civic, and Cultural life in New York City. Led by a team of women from diverse backgrounds and artistic expressions, Sokoloff Arts works to provide viable and safe space to congregate, strives to promote cross-cultural community engagement, and blends the arts and business to create sustainable solutions to social and financial inequalities. The organization assists young creators with not only space, but resource generation, production, and community. To address the overwhelming demand for hi-tech, flexible, and affordable performance and event space in New York City, Sokoloff Arts is now building Town Stages. To learn more, visit sokoloffarts.org.

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